Learning opportunities beyond the classroom
If you’re an RNN student, learning doesn’t have to stop when lessons end.
While classroom learning provides the knowledge and technical skills you need for your future careers, some of the most valuable lessons happen beyond the timetable.
From enrichment activities and student ambassador opportunities to international trips and experiences abroad, here’s a look at some of the extra-curricular opportunities we offer at Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College.
Find your community with enrichment activities
Not everyone walks into college knowing exactly who they are or what they want to do – and honestly, that’s normal.
That’s why enrichment is such a big part of student life. It gives you the chance to try different activities, meet people outside your course and discover new interests you might never have expected.
With loads of enrichment opportunities available here at RNN Group, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re creative, competitive, social or just looking to try something new.
Find your community with the student union and LGBTQ+ groups who meet in safe, welcoming spaces where students can make friends and feel part of college life.
Build skills for real life by doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award, driving theory sessions, or student leadership programme. Or get creative and express yourself with arts and crafts, music and film, or knit and natter clubs.
If you’re into sport, build teamwork, confidence and leadership skills while staying active by joining the football club, sports leadership programme or Momentous Football Academy which all take place at Dearne Valley College. At Rotherham College, you can join the Lync Active fitness, dance and nutrition sessions, or if you’re based at North Notts College then the on-site gym is open at lunch times.
For students who love gaming, get involved in friendly competition and hang out with people who share the same interests with our Esports Academy at Dearne Valley, dungeons and dragons club and Just Dance sessions at Rotherham campus, or the lunch time games club at all three campuses where we offer table tennis, air hockey and darts.
Trying something new can feel intimidating at first, but it’s often where the biggest personal growth happens. You might join for fun or to take your mind off assignments, but you’ll probably leave with new friendships and a whole bunch of skills, whether that’s better communication, more independence, or new-found confidence.
Find out more about enrichment at RNN Group.
Inspire others by becoming a Student Ambassador
If you want to gain work experience, get more involved in college life and make a positive impact on other people, becoming a Student Ambassador is a great place to start.
Student Ambassadors represent the College at events, help support new students and give visitors a real insight into college life.
It looks great on your CV, university applications and future job interviews, showing employers and universities you have the skills they really value, including leadership, public speaking, professionalism, organisation and teamwork.
Plus, you’ll get paid for the hours you work at any on and off-site events. That could be welcoming new students and their families at open events, giving prospective learners a tour of the campus, representing College at school careers events, or helping student at enrolment and taster sessions.
Find out more about becoming a Student Ambassador.
Your passport to unforgettable experiences
College isn’t just about what happens on campus. Through the Turing Scheme, RNN students have the opportunity to travel abroad and gain experiences that stay with you for life.
The Turing Scheme is a government-funded programme that provides educational and work-based visits abroad, making travel experiences more accessible for students from all backgrounds.
Whether it’s exploring new cities, taking part in work experience opportunities or learning about different cultures, the Turing scheme gives students the chance to step outside their comfort zone and see the world differently.
And for a lot of students, it’s their first time travelling abroad independently without family, which makes the experience even more exciting.
In the past, students on the Turing scheme have visited places like Bali, Cyprus and Italy where they’ve seen the world in a whole new light.
Many have come back more confident, more independent, more motivated, more open-minded – and with probably way too many photos on their camera rolls!
But most importantly, they’ve realised they’re capable of more than they thought.
As it’s funded, places are limited and only students studying at level 3 or T Level or eligible. If you’re interested in taking part, you can register your details here ready for the next academic year.
Find out more about the Turing Scheme.
Building skills for life
The skills you build outside the classroom matter just as much as the qualifications you achieve.
Employers today are looking for people who can communicate, work well with others, adapt to challenges and show confidence – and these are exactly the kinds of skills you naturally develop through enrichment, leadership opportunities and travel experiences.
At RNN Group, our students don’t leave with just a qualification to their name. They leave with experiences, confidence and skills for wherever life takes you next.